Conductor of Université de Sherbrooke orchestra charged with sexual assault of a minor

A Sherbrooke Police cruiser is seen on July 21, 2015 (Source: Service Police de Sherbrooke)

The conductor of the Université de Sherbrooke orchestra has been charged with sexual offences involving a minor.

François Bernier, 51, was arrested Thursday morning by Sherbrooke police. Court records show that he is facing one count of sexual assault and another count of sexual exploitation of a teenager “when he was in a position of authority or trust.”

He is alleged to have committed the offences between Jan. 1, 2002 and Jan. 1, 2003.

Sherbrooke police noted the accused’s involvement in “symphony orchestras and music” in a news release, adding that investigators were first alerted to the criminal complaint a few weeks ago.

“He could have had other victims over the years,” police said.

A bio page on the university’s website said Bernier founded the Université de Sherbrooke orchestra in 2003 and has been “active” with youth orchestras in Quebec, noting that he has been appointed conductor of youth orchestras of Joliette, Sherbrooke, and Shawinigan between 2001 and 2006.

He is also a teacher at the Université de Sherbrooke School of Music.

Any potential victims or anyone with information about the case is asked to call Sherbrooke police at 819-821-5555.